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executive chairman Eric Schmidt is not a fan of , and isn’t at all afraid of the rise of social media. In a recent speech, Schmidt also explained the move into cloud computing would fuel the rise of their Android operating system and Chrome browser, in detriment of the PC and Microsoft. Finally, the former chief executive of internet giant criticized the government for the NSA leaks, asking for less surveillance and telling the crowd to fight for freedom of speech and their own rights, omitting Google’s involvement in censorship in China and spying at home.

Speaking at the Magazine Publishers of America 2013 annual conference in New York, a combative Schmidt touched on a variety of issues and presaged a bright future for Google. Asked whether he was concerned about the rise of social media, with , Twitter, and leading the pack, and the threats to Google’s search-based business model, Schmidt explained “the good thing for [us] is that there is so much information [being created] that it’s hard not to be overwhelmed.”

Interconnectivity can be “monetized,” Schmidt said, which is why Twitter is pursuing an IPO, but that will only lead to opportunities for Google as search and social work together. And while he mentioned Google+, Schmidt didn’t touch on their social network’s stagnation vis-à-vis its competitors.

Looking into the future, Schmidt said we are in the midst of a transition that occurs every 20 years, as increasingly content is consumed on smartphones and tablets, and as the internet migrates into the cloud. Taking a stab at Microsoft, he noted the dominance of the PC over Apple’s Macs, adding “we all screwed up [on that one].” Building apps that are integrated with the cloud and the web, Google has created a strong platform in their Chrome browser, which he believes could dethrone Microsoft as “no one” is building apps on Windows. With a PC, a native app can get any task done, yet it’s not compatible with the web, with sharing, storing in the cloud, and with location-based services.

Finally, the Google exec spoke about the NSA scandal. Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden opened Pandora’s Box by releasing a treasure trove of files documenting how U.S. intelligence has been tracking and spying on its citizens, global leaders, and international corporations. Schmidt noted that 100% of our phone calls and 70% of internet traffic is being monitored by the NSA, and the Snowden leaks could lead to the balkanization of the web, as cultural and regulatory differences result in differentiated internet regimes across the globe. “The fact that these tools allow you to do this doesn’t mean you should do this,” Schmidt added.

He also spoke about filtering, blasting China for their intense censorship. What he didn’t note is that Google has aided the Chinese government in enforcing its so-called Great Firewall of China. “You need to fight for your freedom,” Schmidt, said, adding, “free speech is very important.” Schmidt also made no mention of the fact that Google has monitored its users as well. The so-called Wi-Spy controversy is an example, where Google’s Street View cars were also sucking in information from open Wi-Fi networks, as my colleague Kashmir Hill has reported.